<p>When President Woodrow Wilson addressed Congress on April 2, 1917, he made one of the most pivotal speeches in American history. Known as <strong>Wilson's War Message</strong>, this speech outlined why the United States should enter World War I. This comprehensive worksheet answer key will not only help students understand the key points from Wilson's speech but also enhance their analytical skills and historical understanding. Here, we will explore the context, content, and implications of Wilson's address.</p>
<h2>Historical Context of Wilson's War Message</h2>
<p>Understanding the context behind Wilson's decision to enter World War I is crucial:</p>
<ul>
<li><em>Neutrality:</em> Initially, Wilson aimed for America to remain neutral. He hoped to act as a mediator to end the war peacefully.</li>
<li><em>Unrestricted Submarine Warfare:</em> Germany's aggressive policy of unrestricted submarine warfare, especially after the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915, challenged the U.S.'s stance on neutrality.</li>
<li><em>Zimmerman Telegram:</em> The discovery of a telegram from German Foreign Minister Zimmermann to Mexico, proposing a military alliance against the U.S., was a significant catalyst.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Key Points from Wilson's War Message</h2>
<p>Here are the core themes Wilson highlighted in his speech:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Defense of Neutrality:</strong> Wilson expressed that neutrality was no longer an option, as Germany's actions directly threatened U.S. interests.</li>
<li><strong>Human Rights:</strong> He presented the war as a fight for democracy and human rights, especially freedom of the seas.</li>
<li><strong>A World Safe for Democracy:</strong> A famous line from his speech, Wilson argued that the war must be fought to ensure a democratic and safe world for future generations.</li>
<li><strong>Call to Arms:</strong> Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany, emphasizing the necessity of American participation.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Analyzing the Implications of the War Message</h2>
<p>The speech had several profound implications:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Change in American Foreign Policy:</strong> This was the first time the U.S. declared war on its own initiative rather than in response to an attack, setting a new precedent for American involvement in world affairs.</li>
<li><strong>Economic and Military Transformation:</strong> The war effort necessitated a rapid expansion of the U.S. military and significant economic changes to support the war.</li>
<li><strong>Impact on Global Politics:</strong> The U.S. entry significantly affected the balance of power in Europe and eventually contributed to the reshaping of the world order.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Worksheet Answer Key</h2>
<table>
<tr>
<th>Question</th>
<th>Answer</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>What were Wilson's primary arguments for entering the war?</td>
<td>Wilson argued that the U.S. needed to defend its neutrality, protect human rights, and make the world safe for democracy.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>How did Wilson's speech change American foreign policy?</td>
<td>It marked a shift from isolationism to interventionism, setting a new precedent for U.S. involvement in global conflicts.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>What was the significance of the Zimmerman Telegram?</td>
<td>The Zimmerman Telegram was pivotal as it exposed Germany's attempt to engage Mexico in a potential alliance against the U.S., influencing public and political opinion towards war.</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p class="pro-note">🚩 Note: Ensure to verify the historical accuracy of the context and key points from Wilson's War Message as interpretations can vary among historians.</p>
<p>The impact of Wilson's War Message was immediate and long-lasting. It not only shaped America's role in World War I but also set the stage for U.S. foreign policy in the 20th century. Students studying this speech gain insights into how pivotal decisions are made at the highest levels of government, how public opinion can be swayed, and the complex interplay between national interest, ethics, and international relations.</p>
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<h3>What was Wilson's main goal with the War Message?</h3>
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<p>Wilson's primary goal was to justify U.S. entry into World War I by framing it as a necessary action to defend American interests, democracy, and human rights.</p>
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<h3>Did Wilson believe the U.S. could remain neutral after Germany's actions?</h3>
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<p>No, Wilson concluded that neutrality was no longer feasible due to Germany's aggressive submarine warfare and attempts to form alliances against the U.S.</p>
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<h3>How did the public react to Wilson's War Message?</h3>
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<p>The public reaction was mixed. While there was considerable anti-war sentiment, Wilson's argument for a world safe for democracy and the outrage over the Zimmerman Telegram swayed much of the public opinion towards supporting the war effort.</p>
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